Summer is coming. Or maybe you just have old jeans taking up space. Do not throw them away. You can turn those jeans into cool shorts. Yes, you can do it yourself.
Learning how to cut jeans into shorts is easy. It saves money too. Plus, you get shorts that fit exactly how you like. This guide shows you every step. Simple instructions. Let’s make some awesome jean shorts. Your perfect pair awaits.
Why Make Your Own Jean Shorts?
Buying new shorts costs money. Making them from old jeans costs almost nothing. It is a great way to reuse clothes. Good for your wallet. You decide the length. Super short? Knee-length? Somewhere in between? You choose. You also decide the style. Want frayed edges? You are the designer. This is a fun project. You can take jeans that do not fit right anymore. Or maybe jeans with worn-out knees. Give them a new life as shorts. Create something unique. Your very own style.
Gather Your Supplies
Get everything ready before you start. It makes the process smooth. You probably have most things already.
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A Pair of Jeans: Choose the jeans you want to transform. Any pair works. Old favorites are great candidates. Wash and dry them first. Clean jeans are easier to work with. 100% cotton jeans cut and fray nicely. Stretch jeans work too, but the cut edge might look different.
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Sharp Fabric Scissors: Good, sharp scissors make clean cuts. Kitchen scissors might work. But fabric scissors are best. They cut denim easily.
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Measuring Tool:
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Ruler or Measuring Tape: You need this to measure the length accurately.
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Marking Tool:
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Tailor’s Chalk: Shows up well on denim. Wipes off easily.
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Washable Fabric Marker: Another good option. Pencil can work too, but might be harder to see or remove.
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Flat Surface: A table or even a clean floor works. You need space to lay the jeans flat.
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Mirror: To check the length while wearing the jeans. Full-length mirror is helpful.
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Optional:
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Iron: Useful if you want to make crisp cuffs.
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Pins: Can help hold fabric while cutting or cuffing.
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Tools for Fraying (if you want frayed edges): Tweezers, a fork, sandpaper, or a seam ripper.
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Step-by-Step: Turning Jeans into Shorts
Ready to cut? Follow these simple steps. Go slow. Measure carefully.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Jeans
Select the jeans you will cut. Make sure they are clean and dry. Think about the original style. Skinny jeans make tight shorts. Baggy jeans make loose shorts. Choose based on the look you want.
Step 2: Decide on the Length
This is the most important step. Put the jeans on. Stand straight in front of your mirror. Decide where you want the shorts to end on your legs. Think about the style. Short shorts? Mid-thigh? Longer Bermuda style? Use your finger to mark the spot lightly. Remember shorts can ride up when you walk or sit. Maybe mark them a little longer than you first think.
Step 3: Mark the Cutting Line
Take the jeans off carefully. Lay them down flat on your work surface. Smooth out any wrinkles. Find the spot you marked with your finger. Now, use your ruler and chalk (or marker). You need to mark a line across the leg where you will cut.
Super Important Tip: Mark the cutting line lower than your final desired length. Why? Because you need extra fabric for the finish. If you want frayed edges, the fraying process uses up some length.
If you want cuffs, you need fabric to fold up. Mark about 1 to 2 inches (that is about 3 to 5 centimeters) below where you want the finished shorts to end. Better to cut them too long first. You can always trim more off later. You cannot add length back.
Measure carefully from the bottom of the crotch seam down the inside leg seam (this is called the inseam). Mark the spot. Do this on the front and back of the leg.
Use the ruler to draw a straight line across. Now, do the exact same thing for the other leg. Measure carefully again. Make sure both marks are at the same inseam length. You want your shorts legs to be even. Double-check your measurements. Measure twice, cut once. Good advice.
Step 4: Cut the Jeans
Time to cut. Keep the jeans laid flat. Take your sharp fabric scissors. Carefully cut along the line you marked. Cut through both layers of fabric if you can.
If the denim is thick, cut the top layer first, then the bottom layer. Try to make the cut as straight as possible. Cut one leg completely. Then cut the second leg. Slow and steady wins the race here.
Step 5: Try Them On and Adjust
Put your new shorts on. Stand in front of the mirror again. Check the length. How does it look? Is it even on both sides? Is it the length you wanted, remembering you still need to finish the edge? Walk around a bit. Sit down. See how they feel.
Too long? No problem. Take them off. Lay them flat again. Decide how much shorter you want them. Mark a new cutting line. Remember to leave that extra inch or two for finishing. Cut again carefully. Try them on again. Repeat until the length feels right before finishing the edges.
Step 6: Finish the Edges
You have cut your shorts to the right length. Now, decide how you want the bottom edges to look. Three popular choices.
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Frayed Edge: This is the classic cutoff look. To get it, just wash and dry the shorts. The cut edge will naturally start to fray. Want more fray? Use tweezers or a fork to pull out some horizontal white threads along the cut edge. You can also rub sandpaper along the edge to rough it up. Washing again will make it even fuzzier. Easy and cool.
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Cuffed Edge: For a neater look. Fold the bottom edge up towards the outside. Fold it once (about half an inch to an inch, or 1-2 cm). Or fold it twice for a thicker cuff. Make sure the cuff is even all around. Press it flat with a hot iron. This helps it stay put. You can leave it like that. Or add a few small stitches by hand on the side seams to keep the cuff from unrolling. Simple sewing.
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Clean Hem: This looks most like store-bought shorts. Fold the raw edge under towards the inside about 1/4 inch (half a centimeter). Press with an iron. Fold it under again about 1/2 inch (1 cm). Press again. Sew along the top edge of the fold using a sewing machine. Or sew carefully by hand. This takes more effort but gives a very finished look.
Step 7: Wash and Dry
Whatever finish you chose, give your new shorts a wash. Follow the care label on the original jeans. Washing helps frayed edges look better. It softens cuffs. It sets any stitches. Tumble dry or hang them to dry.
You Did It!
Look at that. You learned how to cut jeans into shorts. You took old jeans. Made something new and stylish. Perfectly fitted to you. How great is that? Now you can enjoy your custom shorts all season long. Wear your creation proudly. You made it yourself.
